Review: The 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Is The End Of An Era

By Gary Gastelu |

Sep 29, 2023

Cadillac is working to have an all-electric lineup by 2030, but it may be the last American luxury brand to turn out the lights on internal combustion engine cars.

The 2024 CT5 is the only midsize luxury sedan from a U.S. brand thatâ€™s still available with an internal combustion engine. A 2025 mid-life update has already been announced, which puts it on a path to make it to the 2024 model year. And it doesnâ€™t just have an internal combustion engine, there are four to choose from.

The entry-level CT5 gets a 237 hp turbocharged-four cylinder and thereâ€™s an optional 335 hp V6. Jump up to the CT5-V Blackwing and Caddy stuffs a 668 hp supercharged V8 under the hood, which is backed up with a bunch of performance goodies that create a real super-sedan.

In the middle youâ€™ll find the CT5-V, which has a 360 hp version of the V6, magnetic ride control suspension, limited slip rear differential and standard summer-only performance tires.

THE PRESIDENT’S CADILLAC ‘BEAST’ IS GETTING ITS OWN ACTION MOVIE

Itâ€™s a true sport sedan thatâ€™s not too over the top and nicely equipped at $52,890 or $54,890 with all-wheel-drive like the one I tested, which was also loaded with pretty much every option for around $65,000.

That includes deeply bolstered, climate-controlled front buckets, a 360-degree camera system and the hands-free Super Cruise highway driving system, but the CT5-V is much more fun with your hands on the wheel.

The CT5-V is a long car with generous rear seat room, but feels low and light on its feet. Itâ€™s chassis is based on the same one that underpins the Chevrolet Camaro, so it comes from a good starting point, and uses active magnetic ride control dampers.

The engine is rated at 405 lb-ft of torque and can accelerate it to 60 mph in about four-and-a-half seconds. Top speed is listed at 156 mph. Fuel economy is 21 mpg combined, so less to get excited about there.

DOES THE CADILLAC CELESTIQ HAVE A FRUNK?

Several drive modes are available including a full-on Track mode that firms up the shocks and steering feel and switches the 10-speed transmission, throttle, brake feel, performance traction management system and exhaust into their most aggressive settings. They can all be configured to your liking and stored in a V-Mode thatâ€™s activated by a button on the steering wheel.

Even with the suspension tightened up all the way, the ride and handling balance is nearly perfect. The CT5-V is limber enough to drive down a gravel road or poorly paved street, but the shocks instantly react to inputs to keep things under control when youâ€™re getting frisky in the corners.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE REVIEWS FROM AMERICAN CARS AND RACING

The CT5-V matches up well against the imports its still competes against, and the price makes it seem like a bargain. If it ends up being the last car of its kind, itâ€™s a fine send-off to the ICE age.

2024 Cadillac CT5-V AWD

Base price: $54,890

Type: 4-door, 5-passenger all-wheel-drive sedan

Engine: Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6

Power: 360 hp, 405 lb-ft

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

MPG (city/comb/hwy): 18/21/27